Anna Karenina (2012)

This is the first review I have submitted for any movie, at any time. I am doing so because I was unusually pleased with this film. For the record, I am generally a very harsh critic. As an example, I just saw "Darkest Hour" on Churchill, in the theater, which Rotten Tomatoes gave 4 out of 5 starts (or tomatoes?) whereas I came out of that theater critiquing the music and sound track. Otherwise, good film.The Karenina film, for me, was seen on television and without any plan or knowledge of the film before hand. In short, I had heard the name but had no expectations. As a result, I was open to it.The costumes were fantastic, the angles, lighting and sound, as well. The unusual manner of filming was, as some reviewers called it "artsy fartsy" but accepting that it would be such early on, it did not distract me. Perhaps it even added just enough. Would I have been bored with out it? It is possible. Maybe it filled in some areas that would have left holes otherwise - I won't know.The acting was also good. Each role was well-defined, well-played, and there was no discomfort or obvious "issue" between actors. In other words, it flowed well and was believable. Yes, there was the contrived moment when Karenas lover lifted her in the air while dancing, and the choreography seemed to intentionally reflect what the director might have thought was a woman's orgasm, but that passed quickly and moved on. In general the emotions evoked seemed real, and yes, many issues were raised that left me wondering - not only about the history and how relations were at the time, but also how relations are now. To bring it forward, it was almost as if the old story revealed that co-dependence, as we might call it today; that inexplicable passion that binds people in ways that can be as destructive as they seem positive, can seem attractive, but in the end destroy us. It was passion that lead the main character to set aside her awareness and concern over morality. It was passion that lead her to mis-perceive the effect that her choices would likely have on her down the road, and which caused her to forget how much she loved her son. I am left wanting to see it again, or to read the book. So for me - it gets nine starts and recommendations that others see it.

I have never read the book or saw any other version of this film so I came to it w/o any idea of what the story was about. Perhaps the book is better, must be better, has to be better for it to be considered such a classic. the story lost me when she began to unravel. All I could think was that she must have bipolar illness and had she not been so beautiful, those men would have dumped her long ago. By the time she suicided, I had lost all interest in and empathy for her. Also, in this particular film there are places in which the dialogue was so rushed and hushed I could not understand what was being said. Costumes were beautiful and scenery too. Music was appropriate. I just don't get what all the fuss is about for this story. I gave it a 5 for those accomplishments.

When i think to all the time, efforts and sacrifices Tolstoy made to write his monumental drama in a realistic way, i really don't understand why this movie decided to spend all its money to do a sort of opera, musical thing ! When i saw this opening, i thought it was a play on stage and as the movie kept it that way, i felt then so betrayed and sad because i knew that it would be 2 long hours of poop. Sure it can feature a lovely Keira and the cool and talented « kick ass » but those mobile, combined sets and this dreadful vision really destroyed all the story ! It was such an opportunity to depict imperial Russia and pay homage to such a sad life as this poor Anna becomes crazy of pain and decides to die. But in a way, i'm not really surprised : America is really this fool country, full of money that just can't buy and understand artistic genius or creativity ! Even if monkeys ate caviar everyday and moves in Porsche, they are still monkeys when you give them pencils ! That's another example here of this big nonsense that wants to do silly circus acts for the eyes when the author wanted to touch the hearts ! Just horrible !

Maybe because I never read the book and can't compare I don't relate to a lot of the other comments. I thought the movie was very entertaining and kept me interested the whole time. It was a wonderful love story with very compelling story lines. The story lines never seemed to get lost in each other and was very well told. Those that left early should have stayed. They would have got their moneys worth. I've seen previous versions and this was the first one that kept me watching and not wanting to get up. The actors were all good. I don't think a bad one in the lot. I loved Jude Law's role and just wanted to hold him the whole time.